Reimagining Narratives

in Islamic Thought through Research + Design

ON ROCK-SOFT MATTERS | EXHIBIT + FILM

An immersive exhibition by Italian visual artist Chiara Bastoni featuring her 2026 film A Sun In The Palm alongside a selection of over one hundred visual works byEgyptian artists: Hazem El Mestikawy — Huda Lutfi — Marwan Fayed — Nour El Sherif
Thursday, April 2 - Sunday, April 12, 2026

BOOK NOW
HORIZONS & SOULS: ON THE SPATIAL POETICS OF HAJJ

A Spring Seminar + Studio facilitated by Resident Scholar, Dr. Razieh Ghorbani. Saturdays, April 11 - May 16 | 2:00PM - 4:15PM

LEARN MORE
NEEDS ASSESSMENT SURVEY

If you are a Muslim community member who resides, works, or studies in Hyde Park, take this short survey to help us design programs and spaces that better serve your needs.

TAKE THE SURVEY
CONTEMPLATIVE GARDEN PROJECT

What might a contemplative garden look like? Which design elements would you include? What kind of activities and programs can be facilitated in the garden to deepen our understanding of ourselves and our world?

SHARE YOUR VISION
GIFT SHOP

We bring you a variety of historical reproductions and original designs inspired by Islamic philosophy and Muslim culture.

SHOP HERE
SeldonTalks | EPISODE 3

Featuring Tahera Qutbuddin, AlBabtain Laudian Professor of Arabic at the University of Oxford.

WATCH NOW

Seldon Institute is a collaborative space for research, knowledge exchange, and design to explore a more relevant and nuanced understanding of Islam.

Innovative Research
Intellectual & Artistic Exchange
Curated Experiences
Human-Centered Design

Our research examines historical and existing narratives in Islamic thought to understand…

What they are? How they developed? Which evidence supports them? And what they do for shaping identity, promoting understanding, and impacting experience?

Research. Authenticate. Realize.

It all begins with an idea. A curiosity.

Translation Project

Rethinking the Arabic-English translation of key Quranic terms and concepts for a more nuanced understanding

Join the Team
Islamic Art Studio

Our studio explores Islamic and Muslim perspectives through exhibits, courses, and immersive experiences

Learn More
SeldonTalks

Interviews highlighting the personal stories behind the work of authors, scholars, activists, and artists

Watch Now
Seldon Forum

A platform for experts to discuss how we communicate about Islam and its impact on understanding

Watch Now
Residency Programs

Chicago residency programs for scholars, creatives, and entrepreneurs engaged in Islamic research & the arts

Learn More
Mapping Hyde Park

A collaborative program building authentic community through educational, cultural, and religious institutions

Learn More
Muslim Life on Campus

Reimagining spaces and programs that meet the authentic needs of Muslims on campus

Learn More
Leadership Program

A series of workshops designed to engage college and high school students in practical leadership skills

High School Forum
Contemplative Garden

Garden design and experiences that invite introspection through the Islamic tradition

Share your Ideas